Meet the Candidates in Holden

Kenneth E. Lipka Kenneth E. Lipka

Minimizing overall impact to the community and administration should be fundamental in discussing budget reductions. In prioritizing budget reductions, emphasis should be placed upon the actions that present the least adverse effects. My recommendations would include reducing head count through attrition, establishing a hiring freeze except for essential personnel, a salary freeze for all administrative personnel and eliminating discretionary spending. In addition, this would need to be done in concert with a suspension of all overtime for hourly employees unless absolutely necessary, contract negotiations with town unions to freeze salary adjustments, and require additional employee contributions to health care premiums.

These measures would provide optimum service to the community and minimal impact on the administration. There are some who will certainly disagree with this approach, yet I caution those individuals to assess the ultimate impact if these measures are not undertaken. There is no doubt in my mind that head count reductions are on the horizon and actually probable.

Kimberly Ferguson* Should the administration need to consider budget reductions, my recommendation would be to preserve public safety, including police and fire activities. These services are absolutely basic and necessary. Water and sanitation would follow closely. We take this for granted but should appreciate the value this has in our lives. Lastly would be the educational budget. The largest expenditure the town has, therefore most vulnerable. The Wachusett School District has a remarkable performance record and high standards. However, continued growth in the district budget is not sustainable.

Kimberly Ferguson*

Although these are very difficult times for all of us, I feel that I must point out that fortunately, the town of Holden has positioned itself fairly well as it pertains to the current economic downturn and consequent loss of revenue/cuts in state aid. We have already had to cut some $210,000 out of the current year's budget; those funds had been earmarked in the fall of 2008 in anticipation of reductions, and we were ready for them. This is clearly an example of the town's foresight and ability to prioritize so as to minimize impact to municipal services.

Anthony M. Renzoni It should be noted that amongst all the bad news there has been some good financial news. For example, Holden's bond rating was recently increased two notches - indicating confidence in our financial state; the public safety building is some 25 percent below bid estimates; and the sale of the Holden Hospital site last month will eventually create jobs and increase revenues. Additionally, it appears as though the ice storm cleanup will be at least 75 percent reimbursed. And, even with the economic downturn, we really have not had to consider any municipal employee layoffs or cuts to essential services.

Should there be another round of cuts/local aid reductions, I do not foresee or support any job loss or municipal layoffs as a priority. As of today, less than two weeks from town meeting, our budget and allocations thereof will deliver the same services that we are all accustomed to, and we continue to fund education well above the minimum local contribution required by the state - something we should be proud of. How many communities can say that? Should there be further reductions in state aid, the town would have to look at postponing or delaying capital expenditures and purchases (ex. building repair/painting, vehicle purchases) as I believe the citizens have no appetite for local tax increases beyond the Proposition 2 ½ levy limit, or fee increases.

I strongly believe that this downturn or economic slowdown will pass, as it has in the past. We must remain optimistic and realize that Holden is truly in sound financial shape and that any further cuts will be handled carefully and with great deliberation. I am proud of the town of Holden and am pleased to be a part of its leadership.

Anthony M. Renzoni

Cutting a budget, to any degree, is never an enjoyable or popular undertaking. In my experience, it is best to make professional decisions based on priorities and never let it become personal. If you intend to cut someone's budget, I believe it is best to let them know up front and solicit any advice from that department's management. I will answer this question with solutions to a marginal budget cut and then with a reduction a bit more severe.

If the state were to cut funding by five percent, I would go to each department head and ask them to "trim the fat" from their budgets by five percent. By making small sacrifices here and there, the essential services of all town departments and programs would remain unchanged.

If the budget necessitates more significant cuts, such as 15 or 20 percent, then I believe that elected leaders and town officials have a duty to maintain a base level of services to the residents of Holden. For example, it is imperative that public safety and infrastructure are maintained at current levels.

The Holden Police Department, already operating below adequate strength, cannot afford to cut back operating expenses and continue to maintain public safety. In addition, I would never want to explain to a family displaced by a fire that the town did not have the money to prevent this disaster.

Basic services for residents such as water, sewer, electricity and trash removal would need to be maintained, as well. These services represent the infrastructure necessary to support our day-to-day lives.

I am a firm believer in leading from the front, and would do my part to start "trimming the fat" immediately. As a member of Holden's Memorial Day Parade Committee, I would motion that we scale back our request for funds from the town budget by 75 percent for fiscal year 2010. I am confident the parade would go on through the generosity of public and corporate contributions.

If every person with responsibility for public funds takes a long hard look at their budgets and makes cuts where possible, we as a town will get through this recession.